MIGRAIN: Industries - Public service broadcasting

Ofcom report

Read the first few pages of this Ofcom report into Public Service Broadcasting in 2017.

1) How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing?

People are viewing content in different ways e.g. Netflix and BBC IPlayer. Young adults watch a lot of non PSB content. Only 85% of the world are viewing pubic service broadcasting channels since the new generation are obsessed with digital media 

2) What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers? 

Viewers aged 65+ watched an average of 5 hours and 44 minutes in 2016 wheras 16-24 year olds watched an average of 1 hour and 54 minutes in 2016 which is 43 minutes less than in 2012.


3) Does the report suggest audiences are satisfied with public service broadcasting TV channels?
78% of viewers of PSB channels claim to be satisfied with the broadcasting which shows that majority of audiences are satisfied with PSB TV channels


4) Public service broadcasting channels are a major aspect of the UK cultural industries. How much money did PSB channels spend on UK-originated content in 2016? PSB channels spent a total of 2.6 billion on first run UK originated content in 2016


Goldsmiths report
Read this report from Goldsmiths University - A future for public service television: content and platforms in a digital world.


1) What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?Public servicing has been central to its evolution, broadcasting has been shaped by specific public interventions that have expanded the idea of public services. In addition, ITV has been transformed over the past 25 years as a result of the changes introduced by the 1990 Broadcasting Act.


2) Look at page 4. What are the principles that the report suggests need to be embedded in regulation of public service broadcasting in future?

The different principles are independence, universality, citizenship, quality and diversity need to be put into the regulation and funding of an emerging digital media landscape


3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The BBC is the most important of the television ecology, but the model of universality underpinning its public service credentials is under threat. The BBC has been contracting


4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?

The government should replace the licence fee as soon as it's practically possible with a more progressive funding mechanism. such as a tiered platform-neutral household fee a supplement to Council Tax or funding via general taxation with appropriate parliamentary safeguards.


5) What does the report say about Channel 4?

Channel 4 occupies a critical place in the public service ecology-supporting the independent production sector and airing content aimed specifically at diverse audience. Its remit has remained flexible and it has moved with the times. 

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

Channel 4 should not be privatised-neither in full or in part. Channel 4 should increase its provision for older children and young adults and restore some of the arts programming that has been in decline in recent years. Channel 4 should continue to innovate and experiment across different platforms and it should aim to arrest the fall in the number of independent suppliers that it works with.


7) Look at page 10 - new kids on the block. What does the report say about new digital content providers and their link to public service broadcasting?

To increase the levels, quality and security of this provision, it is proposed there will be a new fund set up for public service content. This would consist of a series of digital innovation grants that would be open to cultural institutions and small organisations that are not already engaged in commercial operations.


Final questions - your opinion on public service broadcasting
1) Should the BBC retain its position as the UK’s public service broadcaster?

Yes I believe so as it is still really popular throughout the UK and many large shows that people love to watch are still airing to this day which continues to increase its popularity


2) Is there a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world?

I think there is still a major role for BBC as they have the digital media app BBC IPlayer which many people use a lot more than the TV channel as they can go back and watch episodes they have missed and it is a lot easier to browse different shows and find information on them